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Get the best of both worlds and combine your city break with a rural getaway! Fill your day with exciting events and attractions on offer in the buzzing city of Bristol before ending the day gazing out over green fields, sweeping hills and woodland. The city is right on the doorstep of sensational North Somerset, Cotswolds and South Gloucestershire countryside and we’ve got an idyllic selection of excellent value B&Bs and self-catering places for you – check out this little lot:

Bed and breakfast

Located in a little hamlet in the beautiful Chew Valley is Summerhouse, an award-winning B&B with spectacular countryside views overlooking the Pensford Viaduct and foothills of the Mendips. Days here start with locally-smoked salmon, local sausages and bacon plus their own free range eggs. Just a 30-minute drive from Bristol, the B&B is perfectly located for exploring the city as well as other iconic attractions nearby such Cheddar Gorge, Wells and Bath. Keen hikers can enjoy several walks from the house (one leads to an Iron Age Hill fort and another the Stanton Drew Standing Stones), or get cosy eating homemade cake in your room watching the deer and birdlife. For a bit of added luxury, guests can make use of the indoor pool, Jacuzzi and steam room before heading out for the evening at Michelin-starred pub, The Pony and Trap (4 miles away).

Surrounded by beautiful countryside in the sleepy rural village of Pucklechurch, Fern Cottage is another award-winning B&B run by passionate proprietors, Sue and Pete. Their homemade, organic, locally-sourced breakfasts wowed the likes of top chefs Gary Rhodes and Michael Caines on the UKTV programme Local Food Heroes (Sue was one of five finalists), so they’re bound to be pretty scrummy. Time your arrival for around 4pm and you’ll be treated to a complimentary homemade cream tea! All four ground floor ensuite bedrooms gaze over panoramic countryside views, making it hard to imagine that the cities of Bristol and Bath lie just 15 minutes away.

188 Shortwood Hill, Pucklechurch, doubles from £80 B&B

Image - Fern Cottage

Self-Catering accommodation

This peaceful camp, situated in a former quarry and surrounded by rolling fields, overlooks the city of Bristol from its countryside perch. The site, based at Dundry (a 20-minute drive from central Bristol), includes fully insulated, heated timber Wigwam® Cabins, sleeping up to four adults or a family of five. As well as a shower, toilet and washbasin, kitchenette and dining area, the cabins have a fridge, microwave and wall heater. Each Wigwam® also has its own firepit (pop your donations for firewood into the honesty box), so you can keep warm while toasting marshmallows and watching the glittering city lights and illuminated Clifton Suspension Bridge in the distance. For larger groups, there’s also a lodge that sleeps up to eight people.

Head out on bikes down country lanes to explore the area, pop into local farm Chew Moo’s to sample some local ice cream and meet the animals or head into Bristol to visit the city’s attractions (check out our list of 119 things to do in Bristol in 2019 for inspiration).

East Dundry Lane, Dundry, Wigwam ®Cabins from £85 per night (based on two sharing) min of 2 nights.

Cottages at Tyntesfield, N. Somerset

Based within the grounds of the scenic 500-acre National Trust Tyntesfield Estate, the beautifully-restored Chaplain's House offers the chance to experience a Victorian style stay on a country estate. Built in the dramatic Gothic Revival style, this abode was originally constructed for the Gibbs family's chaplain - a prestigious role as shown by the quality of the building’s original features. Visitors can discover the picturesque formal gardens and wider estate just outside your door, plus a complimentary visit to the main house. Look out for seasonal, family and outdoorsy events that take place all-year-round at Tyntesfield to coincide with your stay and keep an eye on our What’s on Pages to make the most of Bristol – just seven miles away.

For groups of up to 11 people, The Chaplain’s Lodge (reached via an interconnecting door) is also available for rent. Or, if it’s a romantic getaway you’re after, the delightful SummerHouse Cottage with its open fire in the sitting room, farmland views and access to the estate gardens in the evening, makes the perfect base.

This 19th century Grade II* listed Coach House sits in the heart of the village of Backwell – an easy drive (20 minutes), train ride (30 minutes from Bristol Temple Meads) or cycle (45 minutes) away from central Bristol. The cottage sleeps four and is just a short stroll away from some beautiful West Country walks, including Backwell Lake. From here, you’re not far at all from Backwell House (a lovely country house hotel serving excellent food), Bristol Airport, Ashton Court Estate or the city’s iconic landmarks. Backwell also makes a great base to explore Cheddar Gorge and Wookey Hole Caves – around half an hour’s drive away.

For a rural camping experience near the Mendip Hills, hire a bell tent from Brook Lodge or pitch your own on the site. The area of Cowslip Green (where the farm is located) - is considered by historians worldwide to be a heritage site of significance. Hannah More (1745-1883), an educator, writer and social reformer once lived in the area – she was also known for her writings on abolition and for encouraging women to join the anti-slavery movement. John Locke, a philosopher, statesman and writer of much of the American constitution, was born in this area also. For nature lovers, the surrounding countryside is great for walking, bird watching and cycling and if you’d like a bit of city bustle, central Bristol is just a 20-minute drive away.

Chaplain's House is a picturesque mid-Victorian lodge built in the 1890s. Set over three floors, the house containis three bedrooms (one double, two twins), one bathroom, plus separate shower cubicle and toilet.

This delightful mid-19th century estate cottage (Grade II listed) is the perfect base for a romantic getaway. It sleeps 2 and houses a sitting room (with an open fire), double bedroom, kitchen and bathroom.

Attractive and spacious 19thC Listed self-catering cottage in the West Town conservation area of Backwell. Close to pubs and shops and within easy reach of Bristol, Bath, Weston-super-Mare, Cheddar and the Mendips.